Danae Bezantakou
Content created by Virtual Intern Radha Varadan
Danae Bezantakou is a prominent Greek leader who exemplifies the impact of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). As CEO of Navigator Shipping Consultants, co-founder of a business think tank designed to support women in entrepreneurship, and appointee as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (2015-2020), Bezantakou has pursued equality for women entrepreneurs through mentorships in areas disproportionately affected by a country-wide economic crisis.
When asked about her 2011 IVLP project on "Women in Leadership," Bezantakou said she realized "anything can happen, even in a small country like Greece… I could not stop thinking about ways, initiatives, and actions that could help Greece overcome discrimination."
After her IVLP, Bezantakou created the iforU Greek mentoring network, supporting over 150 female entrepreneurs and the Young Executives Shipping (YES) Forum, to create an open dialogue between principal executives, recent graduates, and university students. Bezantakou's leadership transcends borders as she has been involved with several international projects. She served as the first president of the Hellenic-U.S. Alumni Association, and has received international recognition for her groundbreaking initiatives. She was chosen for Greece's 40 under 40 List and the 2014 Purpose Economy Europe List.
"You should follow your passion and do what you can, with what you have, where you are!" says Bezantakou to aspiring young leaders. As an embodiment of her words, Danae Bezantakou continues to fight discrimination in the business world while inspiring countless leaders of tomorrow.
Content edited by Sallie Bestul, Regina Navarro-Gomez, and Jenna Williams
